Countdown to Beijing

A MAGNIFICENT 10 first places, six seconds, and eight thirds was the total podium haul for Loughborough athletes at last weekend’s British Olympic Team Trials, as reality finally dawned for all the Beijing hopefuls.

A MAGNIFICENT 10 first places, six seconds, and eight thirds was the total podium haul for Loughborough athletes at last weekend’s British Olympic Team Trials, as reality finally dawned for all the Beijing hopefuls.

As expected, Martyn Rooney (45.31s) dominated the 400 metres, while Andy Turner (1358s 110m Hurdles) confirmed his top ranking, Steve Lewis (4.60m Pole Vault) attempted a British record, Mike Allen (75.06m) won the javelin despite cramp after only two throws, and Emeka Udechuku (59.35m) was also a clear victor.

In the women’s events Jeanette Kwakye (11.26s) recorded a lifetime best to take the 100m title, Lee McConnell (52.31s) decisively won the 400m, Lisa Dobriskey (4:15.84) produced a 60.5s final lap for revenge over Loughborough International Meeting conqueror Susan Scott at 1500m, and there were also impressive successes for Stephanie Pywell (1.88m High Jump) and Goldie Sayers (62.62m Javelin).

No fewer than 35 further Loughborough athletes earned top eight placings at this Meeting, particularly noteworthy being the sixth place for Harry Aikenes-Areetey (10.26s) in the high profile men’s 100 metres which, given that he scarcely run at all for three weeks due to injury, did much for his claims to a place in the Olympics relay squad.

Kim Wall (fourth in women’s 400m) and Graham Hedman (sixth in men’s 400m) are also on the very edge of relay selection.

For Samson Oni, who has twice achieved the Olympic ‘A’ standard, their was disappointment here as his 2.23m clearance was only good enough for 4th place and he faced a tussle with rival Martin Bernard at yesterday’s (Thursday’s) LEAP Meeting at Loughborough to earn his Beijing place.

For others, the dream survived a little longer – via last-ditch action at the Watford Open last night, the LEAP Meeting at the Loughborough University Stadium yesterday (Thursday) (field events from 12 noon, and track from 1pm), and the Gaz de France meeting tonight – with final additions to the team being decided tomorrow (Saturday).